Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

Ciguatera fish poisoning is caused by a poison called ciguatoxin. This poison is found in marine algae, seaweed, or coral. Fish after consuming algae or seaweed become infected. Lager predator fish become carriers by eating smaller fish.

Ciguatera fish poisoning is a reportable disease Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11 Chapter 156, Communicable Diseases, under the Urgent category which requires a report by telephone to the Disease Outbreak Control Division on Oahu or to the District Health Offices on the neighbor islands as soon as a provisional diagnosis has been established. The telephone report shall be followed by a written report submitted by mail or fax within three days to Disease Outbreak Control Division on Oahu or to the District Health Offices on the neighbor islands.